Zyban

Description

Originally developed as an antidepressant, it has recently been identified as a beneficial aid in smoking cessation therapy. Studies have shown that a significant number of people managed to remain smoke-free for at least 6 months while taking Zyban. For many patients, Zyban reduces withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke.

Zyban reduces the craving for smoking and so helps you to stop smoking. It is believed that it interacts with chemicals in the brain called noradrenaline and dopamine, which are associated with craving and withdrawal.

Zyban does not contain nicotine and does not put more nicotine into your body.

You may continue to smoke after you begin to take Zyban. Then you and your healthcare professional will set a quit date, usually 8 to 14 days after your first dose of Zyban. When your quit date arrives, you stop smoking and continue taking Zyban.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Zyban exactly as directed.

It is recommended that treatment is started while the patient is still smoking and a "target stop date" set within the first two weeks of treatment with Zyban, preferably in the second week.

The usual recommended dose is one 150-mg tablet each day for the first 3 days. On the fourth day, begin taking one 150-mg tablet twice daily. Doses should be taken at least 8 hours apart.

Swallow Zyban tablets whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush tablets.

The maximum single dose should not exceed 150mg and the total daily dose should not exceed 300mg.

It takes about 1 week for Zyban to reach the right levels in your body to be effective. So, to maximize your chance of stopping, you should not stop smoking until you have been taking Zyban for 1 week. You should set a date to stop smoking during the second week you're taking Zyban.

Most people should take Zyban for at least 7 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.

If you forget to take a dose, do not take a tablet to "catch up" for the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next tablet at the usual time.

Keep your medicine at room temperature, out of direct sunlight and heat.

Precautions

Before taking Zyban, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have a seizure disorder; bulimia or anorexia nervosa; or diabetes;
you are currently taking or have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI);
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.